MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time

I need to be baptized
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a small group
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/small-groups

I need to join a serve team
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

Dig Deeper:
1. Read 1 Peter 4:7-11. How have end times, either in the church or outside of the church, been presented to you before? Was the way it was presented motivating to you? If so, how?
2. Why are we more inclined to be focused when the end of something is near?
3. When you think of Jesus returning, how does it make you feel? Why do you feel that way?
4. Does it matter that we don’t know when Jesus is returning? If so, why?
5. Read 1 Peter 4:7. Why is it important to be alert and sober-minded when praying?
6. How does it make you feel to know that God is always available, always alert, and always aware of our needs? How does knowing this change your prayer life?
7. Ready 1 Peter 4:8. Why is loving others “above all” other things?
8. How is showing love to others tied to being unified? Why is unity such an important role in our walk together as Christians in this divisive world?
9. How can we love others like Jesus loves them (and us!)? Describe multiple ways in which we can love others.
10. Read 1 Peter 4:9. Define hospitality.
11. Describe someone who has shown you hospitality. What did they do to be hospitable?
12. Why is important to be hospitable without complaining? Can you be hospitable and not have a desire to be?
13. Knowing that hospitality has its origin in loving strangers or outsiders, does it change your perspective on the word?
14. Read 1 Peter 4:10-11. Why are we given spiritual gifts?
15. Describe someone you know who uses their giftings to serve others. What does that look like?
16. Read Romans 12:6-8. Can you identify one of these areas as a possible gifting you have received?
17. How is servant leadership counter cultural? What does servant leadership look like?
18. Read 1 Peter 4:11b. When should Jesus be glorified? Describe ways you can glorify Him “in everything.”

Live It Out:
1. Be Focused on Prayer: Prayer should be like breathing. How can you pray more consistently throughout your day?
2. Love Each Other Deeply: Pursue loving others through both actions and words, persisting through the ups and downs of relationships. Who can you show love to this week?
3. Be Graciously Hospitable: Identify one person who you consider a “stranger” and find a way to show Gospel hospitality to them.
4. Be Selfless in Serving: Do you know what your spiritual giftings are? If not, ask a trusted friend what your giftings, strengths, and abilities are. Consider stepping into an area of serving!

Reading Plan:
Monday: 1 Peter 4
Tuesday: 2 Peter 3
Wednesday: Matthew 24:29-31, 36-44
Thursday: Galatians 5
Friday: Hebrews 13
Saturday: Isaiah 58:9-14

Recommended Resources:
“1-2 Peter: An Expositional Commentary” by R.C. Sproul

“1 Peter: A Living Hope in Christ” by Jen Wilkin